Whats best to protect an oak stable block from the weather.

Cyril

The oak is being power washed now but I'd like to enrichen its colour and waterproof it without changing the colour.

Any thoughts on what varnish to use appreciated.

Hintza

I'll be interested to see the answers you get on this OP. We will be building a stable block shortly

My immediate thought would be what is wrong with creosote (or modern equivalent), I would be worried that a varnish is a barrier and will result on more work longer term.

inamegajam

have you thought about teak oil, it is usually used on good wood garden furniture, as it protects from sun and rain. it just might do the trick.

Suzy_M

Whilst researching linseed oil paint I came across a lot of interesting (and possibly useful) information on treating bare wood on the Holkham Hall paint site. Makes a lot of sense when you consider most wood treatments, even so-called oils with additives) dry the wood out.

leveller2911

If its Oak you won't be able to stop the Tanic Acid (black staining) from leeching out and I don't think there is any clear treatment which will stop the Oak from going black in places and then going a mellow grey(weathering).

Using Teak oil,Linseed oil and any other oils will not stop the tanic acid and neither will Varnishes,Polyurethanes and also microporus coatings.Oak will last for decades without treatment as long as theres no sapwood(pale,cream coloured timber just under the bark) as this will rot quickly.

So to sum up European Oak needs no treatment at all...........Leave it as its not like most other timbers ......Same can be said for Western Red Cedar too(just a bit of useless info)....You can spend a lot of money trying but its money wasted IMO..